Enjoying your Yard in The Winter [Part 2]

With the right outdoor apparel and a little creativity, you can have just as much fun in your yard during the winter months as you can in the summertime. If you have a young family, you can enjoy all the same winter activities you took part in when you were a kid, from snow forts and snowball fights to tunneling and building snowmen. These activities are a great way to spend a winter afternoon, and they’ll help you get some exercise and fresh air.

Landscaping in Calgary: Tips for a Snowball Fight

If you want to have a good old-fashioned snowball fight, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, be safe. Make sure to use fresh snow to make your snowballs, and double-check to make sure no rocks or twigsinadvertently get mixed in. Snowballs are best made with the dense, wetter snow that falls when the temperature is just below freezing; if it’s colder and the snow is light and powdery, mixing in a little water will help you pack firm snowballs.

Snowball fights are a lot more fun when you build snow forts for the combatants to use during the melee. Here are five easy steps to building a snow fort:

Start by creating a snow pile or snowdrift; if one hasn’t naturally occurred in your back yard, you can shovel snow up against a wall or fence.

Pack the snow firmly to make sure it’s dense enough to support the fort.

Build a tunnel leading into the body of the snow fort.

Clear out space in the snow fort to serve as its primary room.

Add more rooms if the snowdrift you’re working with is large enough.

Landscaping in Calgary: How to Build a Perfect Snowman

If a snowball fight is a little too chaotic for you or your kids, you can always build a snowman. Again, you’ll need to start with moist snow, not powdery snow. Begin by packing a large snowball, then place it on the ground and roll it until you collect enough snow to serve as the base of your snowman. Shape the base into a sphere. Repeat this process, but create a smaller sphere to serve as the snowman’s midsection. Finally, roll a third small sphere to be the snowman’s head. You can make eyes and a mouth out of pebbles or stones, food colouring, or buttons. Use branches or twigs for the snowman’s arms, and give him a carrot for a nose. Then, top it off with a scarf and toque!

Landscaping in Calgary: Stay Warm and Safe!

Be sure to dress for the weather. Wear layers of waterproof clothing, snow boots, and a winter hat. Mittens are better than gloves, since your fingers stay together and keep each other warm. Top off your outfit with a scarf, and if it’s sunny, be sure to wear sunscreen. UV levels can be high, even during the winter. If you or your kids get cold, head inside for a few minutes to warm up and enjoy a warm drink of cocoa or tea.

At Mirage Landscaping, we’re here to make sure your home is ready for winter. From landscape maintenance to snow removal, we offer a comprehensive range of services for both homeowners and businesses. To learn more or request service, please contact us.